Quite possibly one of the most design-forward components JBL ever released is also one of the most revolutionary. While solid-state was still in its infancy, the engineers at JBL developed an output stage that remains, to this day, the go-to architecture for high performance designs. Around the time of its release, the lead engineer wrote an article for Electronics World which details this clever output stage, nicknamed the "T" circuit (see 'Downloads' section). It was highly regarded in its day for its liquid tube-like sound, and is today prized by collectors for both its appearance and outstanding listening experience. This piece was lovingly cared for, yet after over 50 years, you'd expect a few blemishes. While no exception, this piece is still an absolute stunner.
- Production
- 1967-71
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 77705-OB
- Orig. MSRP
- $435
- Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Repaired driver boards
- Replaced all signal capacitors
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Factory Specs
Type Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Power output 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.2%
Damping factor 23
Input sensitivity 4mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 72dB (MM), 85dB (line)
Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω
Semiconductors 37 x transistors, 23 x diodes
Dimensions 16.25"W x 5.5"H x 12.5"D
Weight 26 lbs.
- Designer
- Bart Locanthi
- Documentation
JBL SA660 Service Manual
JBL SA660 Schematic
Operational Amplifier Circuit for HiFi, B. Locanthi, Electronics World, Jan 1967 pp. 39-41
- The History of JBL
- JBL was founded by James Bullough Lansing (1902–1949) who was an American audio engineer and loudspeaker designer most notable for establishing two audio companies that bear his name, Altec Lansing and JBL, the latter taken from his initials.Lansing and his business partner Ken Decker started a company in 1927, in Los...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
- The consumer electronics line was expanded in 1969 with the introduction of the higher-power SA660 integrated amplifier, rated at 60 watts per channel. The next year, the 60 watt per channel SE460 power amplifier was introduced along with the ST860 tuner. However, these would be the last JBL consumer electronic products. Ever since the 1969 takeover of JBL by Harman International, there was pressure by the parent corporation to discontinue this product line in deference to their sister company, Harman/Kardon’s products. This pressure was compounded by the fact that the consumer electronics line was never the profit center it was hoped to be. It has been speculated that JBL lost as much as $50 on every electronic component sold. JBL’s then President, Arnold Wolf, resisted this pressure as long as he could but was ultimately forced to accede in 1971. Thus the revolutionary JBL consumer electronics line came to a premature end.
- Stock No.
- 7978673963229
Quite possibly one of the most design-forward components JBL ever released is also one of the most revolutionary. While solid-state was still in its infancy, the engineers at JBL developed an output stage that remains, to this day, the go-to architecture for high performance designs. Around the time of its release, the lead engineer wrote an article for Electronics World which details this clever output stage, nicknamed the "T" circuit (see 'Downloads' section). It was highly regarded in its day for its liquid tube-like sound, and is today prized by collectors for both its appearance and outstanding listening experience. This piece was lovingly cared for, yet after over 50 years, you'd expect a few blemishes. While no exception, this piece is still an absolute stunner.
Production
1967-71
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
77705-OB
Orig. MSRP
$435
Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Repaired driver boards
- Replaced all signal capacitors
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
Factory Specs
Type Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Power output 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.2%
Damping factor 23
Input sensitivity 4mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 72dB (MM), 85dB (line)
Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω
Semiconductors 37 x transistors, 23 x diodes
Dimensions 16.25"W x 5.5"H x 12.5"D
Weight 26 lbs.
Designer
Bart Locanthi
Documentation
JBL SA660 Service Manual
JBL SA660 Schematic
Operational Amplifier Circuit for HiFi, B. Locanthi, Electronics World, Jan 1967 pp. 39-41
The History of JBL
JBL was founded by James Bullough Lansing (1902–1949) who was an American audio engineer and loudspeaker designer most notable for establishing two audio companies that bear his name, Altec Lansing and JBL, the latter taken from his initials.Lansing and his business partner Ken Decker started a company in 1927, in Los...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The consumer electronics line was expanded in 1969 with the introduction of the higher-power SA660 integrated amplifier, rated at 60 watts per channel. The next year, the 60 watt per channel SE460 power amplifier was introduced along with the ST860 tuner. However, these would be the last JBL consumer electronic products. Ever since the 1969 takeover of JBL by Harman International, there was pressure by the parent corporation to discontinue this product line in deference to their sister company, Harman/Kardon’s products. This pressure was compounded by the fact that the consumer electronics line was never the profit center it was hoped to be. It has been speculated that JBL lost as much as $50 on every electronic component sold. JBL’s then President, Arnold Wolf, resisted this pressure as long as he could but was ultimately forced to accede in 1971. Thus the revolutionary JBL consumer electronics line came to a premature end.
Stock No.
7978673963229
